Amapti, Feb 24: In anticipation of the upcoming General Election to the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC), 2026, the District Administration of South West Garo Hills has issued an order directing all licensed arms holders in the district to deposit their firearms and ammunition.
In an official order issued under Section 17 of the Arms Act, 1959, Kum. Anendya Raajsshre, IAS, District Magistrate and District Election Officer, South West Garo Hills, Ampati, has directed that all licensed arms holders within the district shall deposit their licensed arms and ammunition at the nearest police station or authorized armoury with immediate effect.
The order states that the deposited arms shall remain in custody until the completion of the election process and the formal declaration of results, unless otherwise directed by the competent authority.
Exemptions, if any, will apply strictly to categories of persons as permitted under Government instructions and only upon prior written approval from the competent authority.
The District Magistrate has cautioned that any violation of this order will invite strict penal action under the Arms Act, 1959, and other relevant laws.
This measure has been promulgated in the interest of maintaining public peace, ensuring law and order, and facilitating the free, fair, and peaceful conduct of the forthcoming GHADC General Election 2026. All concerned have been directed to ensure strict compliance with the order.
